***Molly POV***
The last month had flown by in such a whirlwind of emotion that there were days I was physically spent at the end of the day. Becoming grandparents had been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Watching Sarah deal with both babies at first, then just Bastian. She was an amazing Mom, and I felt a lot of pride in her.
While all this was going on, I decided, as Beta to my Luna, that I would push forward with her idea of having a lower rank comity of she-wolves.
It was all starting to come together, the two she-wolves, Trisha and Taylor, had all already planned the first get together with a neighbouring pack. And Lesley and Lexi were now the point of complaints and ideas some other she-wolves had. Even though it had only been running for a few weeks, it was running like clockwork. Genni had picked up on the discord, being sewn into the lower ranks, and had brilliantly worked out a system to bring them closer to the main pack and make them feel listened to and heard.
I had managed to keep everything flowing since both babies had arrived. But I'm not going to lie, now Alpha Jonas was awake and preparing to return to work. I was relieved. Although Peter had been a tower of strength during this time, he was not privy to the inner workings of the pack, as he was no longer an upper ranked wolf, like he had been in our old pack. I still kept in contact with a few she-wolves from there, and Cookie, of course. Who had proved to be a brilliant replacement as Alpha. Cookie was actually coming for a visit. I had told him about the babies being born, and he wanted to come and pay his respects. Like so many other Alpha's were starting to do. The Grand Alpha and Luna had released a pack wide statement announcing the arrival of baby Evie.
I was alone in my office when I got the mind link telling me to go to the Alpha's office. I frowned and felt a little annoyed that I was being bothered when I had so much I needed to do. Surely I could welcome the Alpha back later? As I assumed, that was why I was being summoned.
As I left my office and walked down one level, I saw Peter walking down the corridor, coming from our apartment. We have been together for years now, and he still made my heart flutter when he smiled at me. Curious where he was going, I enquired.
''I tell you if I get a kiss' he said playfully, and I swatted him on the arm. Laughing, I placed a chaste kiss on his cheek and smiled again at the affronted look on his face. I grabbed his arm and placed mine through it, and we walked down the rest of the way together.
As we reached the bottom, I pulled my arm out from his, as I assumed he was going a different way. To my surprise, he also turned to walk toward the office. I raised my brows at him as I linked and asked where he was going. His response was to shrug his shoulders. He didn't know why he had also been summoned. Reaching the door, Peter knocked once. The door opened straight away, and we could see everyone in the inner circle was already there. From the looks of things, they had just arrived.
Peter and myself made our way over to Sarah and the baby. Greg was in his usual position next to the Alpha. Technically, I should have been standing next to My Luna. But as we were in the Grand Alpha's office, such things were not necessary.
Once everyone there was all settled, Alpha Jonas stood and started to speak. Although he didn't speak much past saying he was glad to be back. and ready to work. Wishing a few seconds, he turned the entire meeting over to the Luna. Who was currently rocking a pram back and forth, the Alpha took over and glazed adoringly at his daughter, then looked up and nodded to the Luna.
What was said next made my heart race and my palms sweaty. I clutched at Sarah's hand as Peter found mine. I could see Martha do the same with Daniel.
***Genni POV***
I knew it would come as a shock to everyone, but that didn't stop us from telling them what was happening and what we expected of them. The people in this room were more than just the inner circle of our pack. They were dear friends and family. As I glanced around, though, I noticed that Wyatt and Dr. Julia were not here. I linked quickly with Jonas and asked if they had been called. He nodded his head. Frowning slightly, I was about to link with them myself when there was a soft knock on the office door.
Dr. Julia popped her head around the door shyly, and asked if they should come in. ''Of course, you were called to this meeting, please sit'' and I gestured to a few spare chairs. The doctor sat, but Wyatt remained standing. I expected no less from the warrior. I took in a deep breath and started the meeting again, giving a quick rundown for the latecomers.
''Friends no. Family. That is how I think of each of you. You have all gone above and beyond for this pack and for your Alpha and I. That is why we think you should be the first to know about the new development regarding Zachary''. I heard a faint gasp come from Sarah and the doctor, but chose to continue, as I needed this matter off my shoulders and placed it within my most trusted pack members.
I explained Lucas was missing. This had Greg and Peter both shouting out things we should be doing. They were both so vehemently outraged I had to raise my hand to get them both to calm down. I carried on and told them about the new ability I had received and about what I had seen within it. When I had finished telling them, I was met with a silence almost palpable. I could see every eye trained on me, ready for me to give them a solution to this latest threat.
what shocked everyone was what i said next.
''You're Luna finds herself in unfamiliar territory. I no longer think for myself, I also now think for my daughter. Both Molly and Sarah will know what I mean when I say that''. I could see both women nod ''I must concentrate on this new ability and try my best to hone it into something that will help us defeat Zachary. We had word this morning that the vampires attacked the dessert sand pack. There were only a few survivors, all male. It seems the vampires are striking at the thing that will crush any warrior with a pack. They are now only going for the she-wolves and cubs''.
I had to turn and look at Jonas as I felt my throat close over with my unshod tears. Sarah was openly crying and had lifted Bastian into her arms. Greg left his position and made his way over to his family, a look of disgust and terror on his face, but a look we all had.
I realised I couldn't go on and silently asked for Jonas to take over. He gave me a soft smile and nodded. ''From what I was told, the survivors of the desert sands pack have asked to become members of our pack, but that will be a decision for another meeting. Right now, I need all your input on how we proceed from here. The floor is open for anyone to speak freely''. Jonas stopped talking, and again there was silence. Until Molly spoke up.
''Luna, Alpha. I think I have a few suggestions about the running of the pack. I'm afraid I do not know what the next move is where the vampire is concerned'. Molly looked so apprehensive in this moment, my heart felt for her. Before Jonas could speak and possibly reprimand her for critiquing the running of the pack, I asked her to continue. Molly looked at me gratefully.
''I only meant the structure within the pack is different now. Both you and the Alpha have so many responsibilities that if you did them all, you would have no time for yourselves. I know both of you would give your lives for the pack if it was needed, as would we all. But that is unattainable.
So I think we need a reorganising of priority''. There were a few who mumbled their agreement to what Molly had to say. The relief that washed over me almost made me gasp out loud. I knew Molly would say something like this. She was so good at being my Beta, I was so proud of her.
I could see Jonas felt the same way. He started to talk as they all settled down again.
''You are absolutely right Molly, priorities have shifted and problems have gotten bigger. Therefore, your Luna and myself propose a small change. If you would all be willing,' he looked around at everyone before he carried on.
***Jonas POV***
I was still a little shocked by what Gennie had done in our apartment, not an hour ago. Along with the shock came a certain amount of clarity. I knew what needed to be done, I just had to phrase it to my inner circle just right. Hearing Molly say what she had said made my chest swell with pride, that a member of my pack had the integrity to say before me that the pack wasn't being run right.
''Molly, we agree with your assessment. We need some changes. The biggest one at the moment is the running of the Luna's side of things''. Molly looked like I had slapped her, and I kicked myself for saying it the way I did. Luckily for me, my mate was better at this kind of thing, so I asked Genni to continue. She nodded and smiled at me. And this time she rose from the chair. My Luna was Fierce.
***Genni POV***
''I'm going to cut to the chase, Molly. I need you to take on a little more responsibility for the everyday running of my Luna duties.'' I saw Molly turn a little white at the thought ''As I ask so much of you, I wondered if Peter wouldn't mind coming on board Team Luna and helping with the duties?''. I could see I had shocked Molly with what I said, but Peter jumped up and confirmed he would be honoured if his Mate was okay with it.
''I will focus on my abilities for the time being. I was given them for a specific reason, now I need to find out what that reason is. So that means I train as hard as possible with Hilda's help. Hilda arrived this morning with Alpha Silas. I have given them one of the older unused properties. Because all my time will be filled with training and the baby I ask you now, Molly. Would you help me by running my Luna duties?''.
All Molly could do was nod as she became emotional. The way she was clinging onto Peter's hand, I knew I had made the right call. Molly linked with me just then. She was so proud to honour me this way. And Peter was exactly what she needed.
''Now'' I said quickly, ''I need a Nanny'' I looked at the shocked faces again, this time with amusement.
Dr. Julia raised her hand, ''Luna, I know a few she-wolves who would excel as you're Nanny. Should I send them to you? I will be very discrete''.